Marcia Edelweiss, MD

I am a board-certified pathologist and cytopathologist on the Surgical Pathology Diagnostic Service with a special interest in breast disease and general cytology.

As a breast pathologist, I analyze breast tissue biopsies and surgical specimens to identify signs and characteristics of disease, and make determinations about diagnoses that help guide treatment decisions for our patients.

As a cytologist, I analyze cells and fluid samples from various organs to help make diagnoses. I also perform biopsies in which I use a thin needle to remove cells or fluid from nodules that you can feel through the skin, a procedure called “fine needle aspiration.” This minimally invasive technique enables us to make an accurate diagnosis with relatively few cells and less risk for complications.

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I look forward to continuing my scholarly contributions to the field of breast pathology and cytopathology in the coming years, and am honored to serve as medical director of Memorial Sloan Kettering's School of Cytotechnology. Through this one-year training program we provide students with a range of skills, including the expertise to process and microscopically evaluate specimens using state-of-the-art technologies.

After fellowships at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering, I joined the faculty of Memorial Sloan Kettering in 2010. I am a native of Brazil and am fluent in Portuguese and Spanish as well as English.

anatomic (A-nuh-TAH-mik)

Having to do with anatomy (the study of the structure of a plant or animal).

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

aspiration (AS-pih-RAY-shun)

Removal of fluid or tissue through a needle. Also, the accidental breathing in of food or fluid into the lungs.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

breast (brest)

Glandular organ located on the chest. The breast is made up of connective tissue, fat, and breast tissue that contains the glands that can make milk. Also called mammary gland.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cancer (KAN-ser)

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

cytology (sy-TAH-loh-jee)

The study of cells using a microscope.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

diagnosis (DY-ug-NOH-sis)

The process of identifying a disease, such as cancer, from its signs and symptoms.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

fluid (FLOO-id)

A substance that flows smoothly and takes the shape of its container. Liquids and gases are fluids.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

medicine (MEH-dih-sin)

Refers to the practices and procedures used for the prevention, treatment, or relief of symptoms of a diseases or abnormal conditions. This term may also refer to a legal drug used for the same purpose.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

National Institutes of Health (NA-shuh-nul IN-stih-TOOTS … helth)

A federal agency in the U.S. that conducts biomedical research in its own laboratories; supports the research of non-Federal scientists in universities, medical schools, hospitals, and research institutions throughout the country and abroad; helps in the training of research investigators; and fosters communication of medical information. Access the National Institutes of Health Web site at . Also called NIH.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

pathologist (puh-THAH-loh-jist)

A doctor who identifies diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

tissue (TIH-shoo)

A group or layer of cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

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